Iran downplayed the overnight airstrike by Israel on its military targets, asserting that the damage was minimal. US President Joe Biden urged for an end to the escalating tensions, which have heightened concerns of a full-scale conflict in the Middle East.
Numerous Israeli jets executed three waves of strikes before dawn yesterday, targeting missile production facilities and other locations near Tehran and in western Iran, as reported by Israel’s military.
This was a counteraction to Iran’s attack on Israel on October 1, which involved approximately 200 ballistic missiles. Israel has cautioned its heavily armed rival to refrain from retaliating following the latest airstrike.
In response to the Israeli incursion, Iran condemned the attack, with its foreign ministry stating that the country was “entitled and obligated” to defend itself. However, it also mentioned that it “acknowledges its responsibilities towards regional peace and security,” offering a more conciliatory tone compared to statements made after earlier escalations.
US President Joe Biden expressed hope that the Israeli strike on Iran would signal a de-escalation of tensions.
“Enemy aircraft were prevented from entering the nation’s airspace… and the attack resulted in limited damage,” stated Iran’s military joint staff in an announcement.
Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated sharply since the October 7, 2023, offensive by Iran-backed Hamas against Israel, raising fears of a broader regional conflict that could involve global powers and jeopardize international energy supplies.
Learn more about the Middle East conflict
The intensifying conflict in Lebanon, where Israel is conducting a significant campaign against Hezbollah, Iran’s primary regional ally, has further heightened tensions.
The United States, which has encouraged Israel to avoid targeting sensitive Iranian energy and nuclear sites, joined other nations in calling for a cessation of the ongoing confrontations between Israel and Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel had selected its targets in Iran based on national interests rather than following US directives.
Mr. Biden noted that the strikes seemed to have only targeted military installations and expressed hope that this was “the end” of escalations.
US Vice President Kamala Harris, who aims to succeed Biden in the upcoming November 5 US presidential election, affirmed that “the strong perspective of the United States is that there must be de-escalation.”
‘Message to Iran’
Footage broadcast by Iranian media depicted air defense systems actively firing at incoming projectiles in central Tehran, though it did not disclose which locations were under attack.
According to Israel’s military, its jets targeted missile manufacturing sites and surface-to-air missile systems before returning safely.
“Should the regime in Iran err by initiating a new round of escalation, we will be compelled to respond,” the military indicated.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a statement, advised that Iran “should not misinterpret Israel’s strikes.” He emphasized the need for diplomatic avenues to lessen regional tensions, particularly concerning Gaza and Lebanon, during a conversation with his Israeli counterpart.
Following Iran’s October strikes on Israel, Mr. Biden cautioned that the US, as Israel’s main supporter and arms supplier, would not endorse a counter-strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities and suggested that Israel consider alternatives to targeting Iran’s oil reserves.
Arab nations located between Israel and Iran have expressed significant concerns that the utilization of their airspace could provoke retaliation against them.
Lebanon conflict
Israel’s military has relaxed certain safety protocols for residents in northern Israel, potentially indicating an expectation of no immediate large-scale assault from Iran or its proxies in the region.
This decision followed a “situational assessment,” according to a statement.
People assess the damage at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike in Lebanon.
However, Hezbollah in Lebanon has warned residents of over two dozen towns in northern Israel to evacuate immediately, declaring them legitimate targets due to the presence of Israeli troops.
In retaliation, Israel announced that it had targeted Hezbollah facilities in the southern Dahiyeh suburb of Beirut, which included a weapons manufacturing site and an intelligence office.
The ongoing conflict in Lebanon, which has intensified significantly in recent weeks, has also resulted in strikes on locations associated with Iran and Hezbollah in Syria.
Efforts to arrange a ceasefire and a hostage-release agreement in Gaza, which could help de-escalate the wider conflict, are anticipated to resume in Doha as negotiators prepare to travel there.
